Local Issues

Speeding up benefit claims

Visiting Jobcentre Plus in Bournemouth

In my parliamentary post bag, I receive a large number of letters from constituents complaining about the delays they experience in having their benefit claims processed since this work was transferred from Jobcentre Plus in Bournemouth to the central office in Chippenham.  Many of my constituents have had problems in getting advice on their claims because they could not get through to the switchboard.

As a result, I took this matter up with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by means of a Parliamentary Question.  The Minister replied that the administration of Jobcentre Plus was one for its Chief Executive and passed the matter to her.  However, the Chief Executive has replied in detail to me, fully accepting that the services offered to my constituents has not been acceptable.  It appears that there have been a number of problems at Chippenham which were to blame, together with a shortage of experienced and managerial staff.  I have also had a meeting with the Director of Benefits and Fraud at Jobcentre Plus to discuss this matter further.

Subsequent action has reviewed and improved the processes undertaken at Jobcentre Plus.  Additional experienced staff have been recruited and they are working hard to rectify the problems which I identified.